Category: CNN Regional

By Joshua Davis

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    GREENSBORO, North Carolina (WXII) — Community members in the gate city are celebrating the lives and legacies of six men who fought to desegregate the game they loved, as Sunday marks 70 years since the Greensboro Six made history. In the words of one of their sons, they refused to wait for change, so they played for it.

In Greensboro, golfers of different generations hit six “drives to freedom” in honor of Dr. George Simkins Jr., Phillip Cook, Elijah Herring, Samuel Murray, Joseph Sturdivant, and Leon Wolfe.

Those six men who broke the rules of the then segregated Gillespie Golf Course and changed the game of golf in Greensboro and beyond.

“Dec. 7, 70 years ago, they came out here, signed their names on the course registry, each put down their 75 cents in green fees and walked out to this tee and teed off,” said Chris Simkins. “They wanted the opportunity for everyone to be able to play on this course without fear or exclusion.”

Simkins, the son of Dr. George Simkins, told WXII he was 12 when his father told him the story.

“The clubhouse manager was standing right beside them, screaming at them, saying, ‘You cannot play here. You’re trespassing. Why are you here?'” he said. “I couldn’t make sense of it, because I didn’t know what it was like to live under segregation.”

He said their actions got them arrested, and their court case against the city went all the way to the Supreme Court. However, each hardship — from the threats they faced to even the golf clubhouse burning down — laid the foundation for people of all races and creeds to learn and enjoy the game of golf at Gillespie.

“Ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they are determined to do it and can make a difference,” Simkins said. “What they did here changed the course of history, not just here in Greensboro, but across America.”

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By Rachael Perry

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    STUART, Florida (WPBF) — No charges were filed against a man detained during the Stuart Christmas parade after officers discovered he was carrying a gun and a dagger.

WPBF 25 News caught up with Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, who explained why the man was detained and why no charges were filed.

According to Budensiek, officials with the MCSO, alongside Congressman Brian Mast and his staff, were navigating East Ocean Boulevard at the beginning of the parade when the incident happened.

“One of his [Congressman Mast] staff members noted that an individual had appeared to be following all of us for a period of time, or at least walking the same route, and they looked suspicious,” Budensiek said.

He described the man as wearing a hat pulled down and a heavy jacket despite the warm climate. Officials with the MCSO dropped back to get closer to the man and investigate their concerns.

“As soon as he saw them adjust positions to him, he stopped walking and tried to blend into the crowd and kind of ease out of there, at which point they engaged in a conversation,” Budensiek said.

The sheriff said the man appeared to be “off” and under the influence of a controlled substance.

As officials continued talking to him, Budensiek said they realized he was dressed in multiple layers, including a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, and some sort of apparatus. Budensiek said that ended up being a rifle-rated bulletproof vest.

“Let me put that in context. Our deputies wear soft body armor; they’re not rifle-rated body armor. This is legit rifle-rated body armor; it’s a higher level than normal body armor. With that, he had a dagger tucked down in his pants, and he had a handgun on his hip,” Budensiek said.

Budensiek said the man told officials he was just walking the route to find his daughter, but they weren’t satisfied with his answers and took him to the MCSO for questioning.

The sheriff said the man agreed to answer their questions, but his story changed.

“His story was that he had been an informant for us, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, which he had been, and had been getting death threats. Why you need that type of protection and why you’d even come out if you’re that afraid is beyond us. I don’t know,” he said.

At some point in previous years, Budensiek said the man had provided information to their narcotics unit, and claimed he was afraid of retaliation for that.

Budensiek said they don’t know if the man had any ill intentions, but a search of his phone did not reveal anything suspicious. He was questioned by both local and federal law enforcement, and no charges were filed.

“This is a concerning case for us because it’s kind of a trick bag. We were not able to arrest him last night because, legally, technically, he’s allowed to carry a firearm on that route. What he’s not allowed to do, though, is be suspicious and follow along and just be high while he’s possessing a firearm,” Budensiek said.

He said a few things could have changed that, including if the man was a convicted felon, if he had a risk protection order or a domestic violence injunction in place, along if he had brandished the weapon in any unlawful fashion.

While officials believe the man was under the influence of narcotics, they were not able to test him as he was not under arrest. However, Budensiek said the man’s family informed them he has struggled with drug use.

“Our detectives are working on what we call a risk protection order to try to prohibit him from having a gun until he can get whatever’s going on mentally or with controlled substances squared away. So, at this time, we have the vest, we have the gun. He was released last night,” Budensiek said.

The sheriff said the man was carrying a loaded Glock 9mm handgun with a bullet in the chamber. However, he said the case has nothing to do with open carry laws but instead sheds light on responsible gun ownership.

“I am all about the Second Amendment. If people want to carry, I’m good with that. But responsible gun ownership is what we’re about. Use your common sense; if you’re going to come out to an event like this, be appropriate with it. If people want to carry, I’m good with it, but use your brain’s common sense,” he said.

Budensiek said there’s a fine line between violating somebody’s Second Amendment rights and protecting the public. He said, in this case, they had enough to detain him, and he feels they did the right thing.

“It’s a different climate — 25 years ago, you never heard of an active shooter just to be an active shooter. I think Columbine really kind of kicked off that climate. You never know who’s going to be here and why they’re here and what they’re going through mentally. Mental illness is a big thing. Drug addiction is a big thing, unfortunately. So, everybody’s got to pay attention individually. Again, we’re doing our best to try to protect,” Budensiek said.

At the end of the day, Budensiek said, even if the man had no bad intentions, he’s glad they had the resources in place. He said it’s their job to make these events safe for children and families to enjoy.

“Our SWAT guys are out here. We’re flying all the rooftops of any higher elevated perch. We have undercovers in the crowd. We have blockades to keep people from driving down the routes. We’re living in a day and age where we have to be extremely careful, and last night, I’m appreciative to Congressman Mast’s staff and my staff for seeing something that wasn’t right and taking action,” he said.

Congressman Brian Mast took to social media, where he wrote:

“Martin Co. Sheriffs Deputies were on it last night. Unfortunately, we live in a world where they have to be, but thank God they are. From Sheriff Budensiek to all his deputies, air assets, K-9’s and handlers, SWAT and tactical units, plain clothes, EOD, reserve deputies, everyone that handles the logistics of events like last night with 10s of thousands of people. They will risk everything and leave nothing to chance, on behalf of each of us.

THANK YOU MCSO.THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO PUTS ON THE BADGE OR SHIELD, GUN AND ARMOR, to protect us.” – Brian Mast

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By David Jones

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    FLORIDA (WESH) — For the first time in more than a decade, hunters took to Florida’s forests in search of black bears as part of the 2025 Florida black bear hunt.

The hunt has been hotly contested, pitting animal advocates and significant public outcry against the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and hunting groups.

Starting Saturday and running through December 28, a total of 172 permits were given to would-be hunters to cull the population of black bears in the state.

Of those 172 permits, bear advocates claim to have secured 52 in the lottery system in an attempt to reduce the number of bears killed.

“The people who approved the hunt were political appointees, that’s why we were calling on Governor DeSantis to step in and stop the hunt,” said Susannah Randolph, Chapter Director of the Sierra Club Florida.

Randolph said her group, which has partnered with other advocacy groups like Seminole County-based Bear Warriors United, is hopeful FWC will enforce the laws and ensure no extra black bears are taken during the hunt.

She said they have noticed online chatter from hunters talking of “settling the score” after dozens of permits were secured by non-hunters.

“The FWC political appointees have really taken away a lot of the tools for the scientists to actually follow the science and do right for what this species needs to survive for future generations,” Randolph said.

WESH 2 spoke with one hunter by phone Saturday who said he didn’t have any luck Saturday. We spoke with him previously in November.

“I don’t trophy hunt. When I deer hunt, I don’t hunt for antlers. It’s for meat,” said Jason Howard. “I enjoy deer meat, wild hog meat, turkey meat and I hope to enjoy bear meat as well.”

Randolph said she’s worried about future years, when the FWC has said it will allow bear hunting.

“It’s extremely cruel, not just to the bears but to the dogs, you lose dogs in the course of bear hunting,” she said. “Even our US Attorney General Pam Bondi prosecuted dog hunters when she was the attorney general for Florida.”

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By KJRH Web Staff

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    BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma (KJRH) — A Broken Arrow mental health therapist’s quick thinking and compassion helped save a young man’s life when she spotted him on a bridge ledge contemplating suicide during the holiday season.

Ashley Briggs was heading to the bank when she noticed something alarming on a local bridge.

“I saw the young man sitting on the ledge over the bridge with his legs hanging over the highway. My gut was like something is not right and somebody has to do something,” Briggs said.

Briggs and another Broken Arrow resident, Chris Linam, arrived at the scene simultaneously. Together, they talked with the young man, who agreed to let them call 988, the national mental health crisis hotline that provides in-person response services.

Mental health experts warn that suicidal thoughts can spike during the holidays. Briggs emphasizes the importance of asking direct questions when someone may be struggling.

“Ask them are you thinking about taking your life? People are worried asking that question will increase somebody’s desire to die by suicide. Research shows that’s not true. If you ask that question it gives that person the opportunity to say somebody did notice. Somebody does care,” Briggs said.

This work holds deep personal meaning for Briggs, whose brother died by suicide in 2007.

“In 2007, my brother died by suicide, and that deeply affected our entire family. It’s on my heart to work with people who have suicidal thoughts and work on suicide prevention. I will never pass up an opportunity to help end the stigma that surrounds it,” Briggs said.

Mental health professionals stress that family support is crucial during the holidays. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or knowing someone who is struggling should call 988 for immediate help.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KJRH’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Julie Chin

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    BARNSDALL, Oklahoma (KJRH) — Most kids fill their Christmas wish lists with the latest toys and gadgets, but 10-year-old Brantley Seabolt from Barnsdall has a different kind of request this holiday season.

Instead of asking for presents, Brantley is hoping to receive Christmas cards filled with favorite fishing memories from anglers across the country.

“The number one thing I like to do is go fishing,” Brantley said.

For Brantley, a tackle box is like a treasure chest. His father, Jeremy, introduced him to the sport four years ago.

“We’re fishing, if we’re not working, eating, or sleeping,” Jeremy Seabolt said.

It’s a love that has been passed through generations.

“It’s just always been an escape. Everybody needs something, and I just got lucky that my son’s escape is the same as mine,” Jeremy said.

Brantley has big dreams for his future in the sport.

“When I grow up, I’d like to be a fisherman on TV,” he said.

That’s why the 10-year-old with a twinkle in his eye is tackling Christmas differently this year. Instead of asking for material gifts, he’s requesting something more meaningful – stories.

“I really like to read, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask people for Christmas cards,” Brantley said.

“One thing we really like hearing is fishing stories from people when we’re like at the boat ramps, and docks, and things like that,” Jeremy said.

Brantley is casting a wide net with his request, hoping to hear from fishermen from all 50 states.

“We’re really looking forward to hearing what makes it special to other people,” Jeremy said.

“I’m just ready to read them,” Brantley added.

To help get Brantley started, 2 News reached out to one of the most successful anglers of all time – Edwin Evers, who lives in Oklahoma. The professional bass champion took Brantley’s request one step further by sending an encouraging video message.

“Hey, Brantley! I hear you have a similar passion to what I have for bass fishing. I’m humbled by what is important to you with gifts of letters and stories and memories, that’s really, really cool. I hear you don’t live very far from me. I was your age when I had the bug, the bite to become a professional bass fisherman. I fished a lot of ponds and creeks around my house growing up, and went camping a lot. I’ve got to pinch myself now and then because here I am, I’ve made my living 30 to 40 years later. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas – here’s to catching some big fish and a great 2026. I wish you the best, buddy,” Evers said in his message.

“Yeah, that’s pretty cool!” Brantley responded with excitement.

As the cards roll in, the family will track each state on their ‘Seabolt Squad’ Facebook page, where people can reach out if they want to send a card.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what we get,” Jeremy said.

The Seabolt family plans to display the cards around their home until Santa’s big night.

“We’re going to sit around and read those stories on Christmas Eve while we wait for Santa to come,” Jeremy said.

Brantley is hoping this Christmas wish catches on.

“It makes my heart feel good when they tell me stuff they remember,” he said.

The cards will become a new collection of treasures – the beginning of what could be the best Christmas fish tale ever told.

“Merry Christmas, and thank you, everyone, for helping me. I hope you catch some big ones,” Brantley said.

You can check out the Seabolt Squad Facebook page here.

You can also mail your cards to Brantley Seabolt, PO Box 90, Barnsdall, OK 74002.

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By Kaylee Staral

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    MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) — At Four Seasons Skate Park in Milwaukee, 13-year-old Bobby Merkt from Delafield is turning his passion for skateboarding into purpose.

Merkt, who has been skating since he was 5, organized his second annual “Skate for Tots” event Saturday night – a skateboarding competition that collects donations for the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” program.

“The kids that are in need, they need a Christmas like everyone else. They need fun and toys, and I want kids that can’t have that to have that,” Merkt said.

The event has grown significantly since last year, when Merkt collected more than 100 toys for children in need.

He says this year brought more people and sponsors to the competition, which featured both street skating and bowl competitions.

“We all have this one magic wooden toy in common that brings us all together,” Professional skateboarder Dakota White said.

White praised the young organizer’s efforts .

“To get all skaters in the Midwest together, but be able to give back to the community as well, and to have it run by a young, promising skater is a really amazing thing to see,” he said.

For Merkt, skateboarding provides more than just fun – it’s a stress reliever that connects him to a supportive community.

“I love the culture, the people, and the art,” he said. “It gets my mind off of school work and stress and everything.”

The eighth-grader organized the entire event himself, promoting it through his Instagram account.

“I feel good helping some kids out, also helping the building and the skate park out. Just having a good time and making the skate culture come together,” Merkt said.

For those who couldn’t make it to the event, Merkt says there are lots of ways to help this holiday season: donate toys elsewhere or donate your time.

This story was reported on-air by Kaylee Staral and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTMJ’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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By KITV Web Staff

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    HONOLULU (KITV) — A remarkable World War II love story is now becoming part of Pearl Harbor history.

Alice Beck Darrow, a 106-year-old former Navy nurse, has donated the bullet that once threatened her future husband’s life to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

During the attack on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, fire controlman Dean Darrow survived torpedoes, gunfire and burning waters before doctors later discovered a bullet lodged in his heart. Alice cared for him as surgeons removed it, and the two fell in love.

The couple eventually got married and raised four children. Surrounded by family and service members, Alice said it was finally time for the bullet to belong to the public.

“All these years I’ve been thinking I’ve gotta put that bullet in a museum because it isn’t fair just to have it in the family, it needs to be somewhere everyone can see it,” Alice shared.

Alice said the donation is bittersweet, but she hopes the bullet will stand as a symbol of survival, sacrifice and the lasting bonds born from war.

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By Valerie Lyons

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    LEBANON, Ohio (WCPO) — Kimberly Slavens walked through the doors of Ohio State Patrol Post 83 carrying a handwritten card, just as she has every Dec. 5 for the past decade. But this year’s visit was different — it marked 10 years since the OVI arrest that changed her life.

“Brett, I can’t believe that today is 10 years,” Sgt. Brett Lee read from Slavens’ card. “I can never thank you enough for the change that you made in my life. I will be forever grateful to you.”

The card continued: “This year, I was able to see the promises they talked about in recovery. I was able to see my son get married, and I was able to buy a house. All of these are because of sobriety, and that night, 12/5/15, is where my journey started with you. Thank you for all your continued support, Kim.”

It was December 5, 2015, when Lee pulled Slavens over for speeding and failing to signal near her Lebanon apartment complex. It was a routine traffic stop.

Slavens said she had spent the evening drinking six or seven vodka tonics at a local bar, something she said she regularly did back then. She slept on the bar’s couch, thinking she had sobered up enough to drive home the next morning. She was wrong.

“I saw the flashing blue lights, and I knew as soon as I saw the lights that I was in some serious trouble,” Slavens said. “My heart sank because this was my second DUI in 16 months.”

Lee approached the vehicle and immediately detected the problem.

“I could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle,” Lee said.

Slavens failed the field sobriety tests and later failed a breathalyzer at the patrol post. For her, it was a devastating wake-up call.

“I know that was my second OVI, but that wasn’t my second time driving under the influence. It was just the second time I had been caught,” Slavens said. “I could have killed somebody else. I could have killed myself.”

The arrest prompted Slavens to confront her addiction. Three days later, she was in rehabilitation, beginning a journey that would transform her life completely.

A year after her arrest, Slavens returned to the patrol post with a thank-you card. It was the beginning of an unprecedented tradition and unconventional bond.

“Never thought it would happen. It’s never happened before. Can’t think of any other time that I’ve heard other troopers getting a card for an OVI arrest,” Lee said. “What we do is a thankless job. And for her to come in really puts a light on what we do. And that ‘thank you’ really hits hard in our hearts, especially this one … it’s very rare that somebody comes in that we arrested and thanks us.”

The annual visits evolved into a genuine friendship. Lee has been there for Slavens through her struggles, including when she lost her grandmother two years ago and during moments when she questioned her ability to stay sober.

“When I’ve been struggling and just been like, ‘Dude, I don’t know if I can do this anymore,’ he’s like, ‘You can, you’ve got this. We’re in this together,'” Slavens said. “He’s a huge part of my recovery. Even when I struggle, I never want to disappoint him. I never want to be in a place in my life that I can’t show up here on December 5.”

For the 10th anniversary, Lee wanted to create something special. He coordinated with his command to present Slavens with a distinguished service medallion in front of 170 state troopers at the patrol academy in Columbus.

Lee picked Slavens up and drove her to the ceremony. This time, she got to ride in the front seat.

“Getting that award is in the top five moments of my entire life,” Slavens said.

Over the past decade, Slavens has rebuilt her life from the ground up. She’s watched her son get married, purchased her first home, and maintained steady employment — all achievements she directly credits to her sobriety and simple but effective advice from her recovery counselor.

“My only job today is to go to bed sober. I don’t care if you have to go to bed at five o’clock. Just go to bed sober today,” she said. “I’ve done that every day for 10 years.”

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Slavens said she has dealt with depression, cravings and the mental health issues that often accompany addiction recovery.

“It’s not always been good,” Slavens said. “It’s one of the hardest things that I’ve ever done in my entire life, is just to stay sober.”

But the annual tradition with Lee has provided stability and motivation.

“Even just this meeting alone helps me stay sober,” Slavens said. “It means that much to me.”

For Lee, watching Slavens’ transformation over the years has been deeply rewarding and has reinforced the importance of his work.

“It’s joyful knowing that she’s staying strong, staying sober, living a great life, and just makes me proud to do what I do,” Lee said. “It makes me feel proud to be a trooper, and makes me feel accomplished helping people.”

Lee has met Slavens’ family, and they stay in touch throughout the year. When Slavens closed on her house, Lee was one of the first people she contacted.

“I texted him, and I’m like, ‘You’ll never believe what happened today. I was able to buy a house because you pulled me over,'” Slavens said.

Both said they hope their Dec. 5 tradition will continue for decades to come. Slavens’ son even joked about his hopes for their future meetings.

Slavens hopes her story will inspire others struggling with addiction to seek help. She said that addiction doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone.

“I was a productive member of society. I worked every day … I was at school. I just had a drinking problem,” Slavens said. “I think that people are scared to admit it because of the judgment, the stigma that comes with it.”

She said she wants people to understand that recovery is achievable for anyone willing to do the work.

“Recovery is possible. We can recover. It’s a lot of work,” Slavens said. “I never thought that I would be here in 10 years, that I would be able to go 10 years without drinking. I just hope that my thanks to him shows that what he does matters.”

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